Soccer Photography: Capturing the Best Images
Want to improve your soccer photography? Read more about photographer positions, types of images, required equipment, and much more.
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Recommended Photo Positions
- The edge of the 18-yard box, at the sideline.
- The edge of the 18-yard box, at the goal line.
- At the corner flag.
- Directly behind the net.
Recommended Camera Lenses
- 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens
- 24-70mm f/2.8 Mid-Range Lens
- 120-300mm f/2.8 Telephoto Zoom Lens
- 400mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
OAKVILLE, ON - SEP. 16, 2017: Ontario Colleges Athletic Association game between the Sheridan Bruins and the George Brown Huskies.
18-Yard Box, Sideline
Good spot for a general variety of photographs.
- Midfield action.
- Headers.
- Shots on goal.
- Goalkeeper save attempts.
- Scoring reactions.
Midfield Action
OAKVILLE, ON - JUN 23, 2019: League1 Ontario soccer game between the Oakville Blue Devils and DeRo United. (Photo by Kevin Raposo / League1 Ontario)
Headers
OAKVILLE, ON - SEP. 16, 2017: Players go airborne for the header in a game between the Sheridan Bruins and the George Brown Huskies.
Goalkeeper Save Attempts
MISSISSAUGA, ON - JUL 27, 2019: League1 Ontario soccer game between Sigma FC and Durham United FA. (Photo by Kevin Raposo / League1 Ontario)
Scoring Reactions
OAKVILLE, ON - SEP 8, 2019: League1 Ontario soccer game between the Woodbridge Strikers and the Oakville Blue Devils. (Photo by Kevin Raposo / League1 Ontario)
18-Yard Box, Goal Line
Great spot for more direct, head-on photographs.
- Dribbling (this will look significantly better from this position than it will from the sideline).
- Shots on goal.
- Reactions.
- Battles in the box.
Dribbling
HAMILTON, ON - OCT. 6, 2019: Christopher Nanco of Forge FC jumps over Morey Doner of York9 FC in Canadian Premier League action.
Battles in the Box
OAKVILLE, ON - JUN 23, 2019: League1 Ontario soccer game between the Oakville Blue Devils and DeRo United. (Photo by Kevin Raposo / League1 Ontario)
Reactions
HAMILTON, ON - OCT 26, 2019: Canadian Premier League Finals between Forge FC and Cavalry FC. (Photo by Kevin Raposo / Canadian Premier League)
Dribbling
OAKVILLE, ON - MAY 29, 2017: Keanu Lloyd takes on the entire opposition by himself.
Corner Flag
A good spot for some unique images.
- Corner kicks/the corner flag (looks great with a wide-angle/fisheye lens).
- Sideline action.
Corner Kicks/Corner Flag
OAKVILLE, ON - OCT. 1, 2016: The Sheridan Bruins take a corner kick during the second half of a game against the George Brown Huskies.
Sideline Action
OAKVILLE, ON - MAY 5, 2016: A player from T. A. Blakelock challenges a White Oaks opponent with the ball at his feet.
Behind the Net
When you want to differentiate your work, shoot from here.
- Goals and goal reactions.
- Wide-angle shots.
- Goalkeepers.
Goals
OAKVILLE, ON – SEP. 24, 2017: Ontario Colleges Athletic Association game between the Sheridan Bruins and the Cambrian Golden Shield.
Goalkeepers
HAMILTON, ON - OCT 6, 2019: Canadian Premier League soccer game between Forge FC and York9 FC. (Photo by Kevin Raposo / League1 Ontario)
How to Spend Your Time
- Limit your time at the corner flag to no more than 10-15 minutes.
- Concentrate on capturing reaction shots near the end of the game - especially in a tight match.
- If you're being paid for your work, do not waste your time behind the net without a remote trigger. With the field being so large, you may never get the shot you're looking for.
Other Suggestions
While there are undoubtedly spots around the field that will consistently produce great photographs, you shouldn't hesitate to experiment and move around. I've included a few miscellaneous images below, in the hopes of triggering your creative thought process. If you have any additional suggestions or ideas, don't hesitate to share!
Silhouette
OAKVILLE, ON - AUG. 22, 2016: A player brings the ball under control as darkness begins to set.
Fan Celebrations
HAMILTON, ON - OCT. 26, 2019: Forge FC fans celebrate at Tim Hortons Field after a 1-0 win over Cavalry FC in the first leg of the Canadian Premier League Finals.
Player Huddle
OAKVILLE, ON - SEP. 16, 2017: Ontario Colleges Athletic Association game between the Sheridan Bruins and the George Brown Huskies.
Shooting from the Stands
OAKVILLE, ON - SEP. 22, 2017: Ontario Colleges Athletic Association game between the Sheridan Bruins and the Humber Hawks.
Off the Ball
OAKVILLE, ON - SEP. 16, 2017: Ontario Colleges Athletic Association game between the Sheridan Bruins and the George Brown Huskies.
